Detailed Comparison 2025
Cascade vs Next.js Subscription Payments Starter
Compare Cascade and Next.js Subscription Payments Starter side-by-side. We've analyzed features, pricing, and capabilities to help you choose the best boilerplate for your SaaS project.
Quick Overview
Cascade
Cascade is a free, open-source SaaS starter kit based on the T3 stack (with Next.js + Prisma + PostgreSQL + TypeScript) that aims to give you a “ready-to-code business logic” foundation rather than a full-blown UI framework. Its core philosophy is minimal bloat. Once you clone the repo, provide environment variables and database config, you can have a working backend (auth, DB, basic flows) running locally in minutes. Cascade supports essential SaaS‑app plumbing such as authentication (via Auth.js / NextAuth + Prisma), database setup (PostgreSQL + Prisma), payments & billing (through Lemon Squeezy integration), background jobs (with Trigger.dev), error tracking (via Sentry), analytics (via self‑hostable or free‑plan friendly services like PostHog / Plausible), plus optional “business‑adjacent” pieces: a markdown-based blog via Contentlayer, email flows, server‑side rendering, and basic CI/CD / deployment setups.
Key Features
Next.js Subscription Payments Starter
nextjs‑subscription‑payments is a starter template built on Next.js, integrating backend and billing essentials: user auth, database, and subscription payments designed to help you quickly spin up a SaaS or membership‑based web application. It relies on Supabase for authentication and database management (PostgreSQL under the hood), and on Stripe for payment/subscription processing. The integration includes Stripe Checkout for payments, the Stripe Customer Portal for managing subscriptions, and automatic synchronization of pricing plans and subscription statuses via Stripe webhooks, meaning subscription state (active, cancelled, etc.) and billing plans stay in sync between Stripe and your app database.
Key Features
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | CascadeFree | Next.js Subscription Payments StarterFree |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Developer | Dima Ivashchuk | Vercel |
| Authentication | ||
| Stripe Integration | ||
| Paddle Integration | ||
| Lemon Squeezy | ||
| Dodo Payments | ||
| Polar | ||
| Creem | ||
| Admin Panel | ||
| User Dashboard | ||
| Subscriptions | ||
| Blog | ||
| SEO Optimized | ||
| Documentation | ||
| Support | ||
| Tailwind CSS | ||
| API | ||
| Two-Factor Auth | ||
| Multi-Tenancy | ||
| Teams | ||
| Shadcn UI | ||
| View Details | View Page | View Page |
Cascade vs Next.js Subscription Payments Starter: Detailed Analysis
When choosing between Cascade and Next.js Subscription Payments Starter, it's essential to understand the key differences that make each boilerplate unique. Both are excellent choices for building SaaS applications, but they cater to different needs and development approaches.
What is Cascade?
Cascade is a free, open-source SaaS starter kit based on the T3 stack (with Next.js + Prisma + PostgreSQL + TypeScript) that aims to give you a “ready-to-code business logic” foundation rather than a full-blown UI framework. Its core philosophy is minimal bloat. Once you clone the repo, provide environment variables and database config, you can have a working backend (auth, DB, basic flows) running locally in minutes. Cascade supports essential SaaS‑app plumbing such as authentication (via Auth.js / NextAuth + Prisma), database setup (PostgreSQL + Prisma), payments & billing (through Lemon Squeezy integration), background jobs (with Trigger.dev), error tracking (via Sentry), analytics (via self‑hostable or free‑plan friendly services like PostHog / Plausible), plus optional “business‑adjacent” pieces: a markdown-based blog via Contentlayer, email flows, server‑side rendering, and basic CI/CD / deployment setups.
Developed by Dima Ivashchuk, Cascade has become a popular choice among developers looking for a reliable starting point for their SaaS projects.
What is Next.js Subscription Payments Starter?
nextjs‑subscription‑payments is a starter template built on Next.js, integrating backend and billing essentials: user auth, database, and subscription payments designed to help you quickly spin up a SaaS or membership‑based web application. It relies on Supabase for authentication and database management (PostgreSQL under the hood), and on Stripe for payment/subscription processing. The integration includes Stripe Checkout for payments, the Stripe Customer Portal for managing subscriptions, and automatic synchronization of pricing plans and subscription statuses via Stripe webhooks, meaning subscription state (active, cancelled, etc.) and billing plans stay in sync between Stripe and your app database.
Created by Vercel, Next.js Subscription Payments Starter offers a robust foundation for building scalable SaaS applications.
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Payment Integration: Cascade vs Next.js Subscription Payments Starter
When building a SaaS application, choosing the right payment integration is crucial for monetization success. Let's compare the payment options available in Cascade and Next.js Subscription Payments Starter.
Cascade Payment Options
Cascade supports Lemon Squeezy. This includes Merchant of Record (MoR) options that handle global tax compliance automatically, making it easier to sell internationally without worrying about VAT, GST, or sales tax regulations.
Next.js Subscription Payments Starter Payment Options
Next.js Subscription Payments Starter integrates with Stripe.
Key Differences Between Cascade and Next.js Subscription Payments Starter
💰 Pricing
Cascade is priced at Free, while Next.js Subscription Payments Starter costs Free. Both boilerplates are priced identically, so your decision should be based on features and fit.
⚡ Features & Capabilities
Both boilerplates include authentication systems, making it easy to implement user login and registration.
Payment processing is available in both options. Cascade supports Lemon Squeezy, while Next.js Subscription Payments Starter integrates with Stripe.
🎯 Best Use Cases
Cascade
- • SaaS startups looking for quick deployment
- • Projects requiring authentication
- • Teams with flexible budgets
Next.js Subscription Payments Starter
- • SaaS applications needing rapid development
- • Projects requiring authentication
- • Teams with flexible budgets
When to Choose Cascade vs Next.js Subscription Payments Starter
Choose Cascade if:
- You want to start with Cascade's specific tech stack and approach
- Your project aligns with Cascade's feature set
Choose Next.js Subscription Payments Starter if:
- You prefer Next.js Subscription Payments Starter's specific approach and features
- Your requirements match Next.js Subscription Payments Starter's capabilities
Final Verdict: Cascade vs Next.js Subscription Payments Starter
Both Cascade and Next.js Subscription Payments Starter are excellent choices for building SaaS applications. Your decision should be based on your specific requirements, budget, and technical preferences.
Cascade is ideal if you're looking for a feature-rich solution with built-in authentication.
Next.js Subscription Payments Starter stands out for its comprehensive feature set and is perfect for developers who need authentication.
Ultimately, both boilerplates will help you launch your SaaS product faster and more efficiently. Review the detailed comparison above, consider your project requirements, and choose the one that aligns best with your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions: Cascade vs Next.js Subscription Payments Starter
Which is better: Cascade or Next.js Subscription Payments Starter?
The "better" choice depends on your specific needs. Cascade excels in comprehensive features, while Next.js Subscription Payments Starterstands out for its feature set. Consider your budget, required features, and development timeline when making your decision.
What's the price difference between Cascade and Next.js Subscription Payments Starter?
Cascade costs Free while Next.js Subscription Payments Starter is priced at Free. Both are one-time payments with no recurring fees, making them cost-effective long-term investments for your SaaS project.
Can I switch from Cascade to Next.js Subscription Payments Starter later?
While technically possible, switching boilerplates mid-project is challenging and time-consuming. Each boilerplate has its own architecture, dependencies, and patterns. It's best to carefully evaluate both options now and choose the one that best fits your long-term needs to avoid costly migrations later.
Do Cascade and Next.js Subscription Payments Starter offer similar features?
Both boilerplates offer core SaaS features, but with different implementations and additional capabilities. Check the detailed feature comparison table above to see exactly which features each boilerplate includes. Key differences include payment integrations, authentication systems, and admin panel availability.
Which boilerplate is better for beginners?
For beginners, consider factors like documentation quality, community support, and code complexity. Both Cascade and Next.js Subscription Payments Starter are designed to be developer-friendly, but your choice should depend on your familiarity with their respective tech stacks and the learning resources available.
Are there any hidden costs with Cascade or Next.js Subscription Payments Starter?
Both boilerplates are one-time purchases with no recurring licensing fees. However, you may incur costs for third-party services they integrate with (like payment processors, email services, or hosting platforms). These operational costs are separate from the boilerplate purchase and apply to any SaaS application.
How long does it take to launch with Cascade vs Next.js Subscription Payments Starter?
Both boilerplates significantly reduce development time compared to building from scratch. Depending on your customization needs, you could launch a basic SaaS product in days or weeks rather than months. The exact timeline depends on your specific requirements, team size, and development experience.
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